Drift Stealth 2 Action Camera Review

Drift Innovation Stealth 2 Action Camera Review

The Stealth 2 is an entry-level action camera produced by Drift Innovations, an award-winning action camera manufacturer that are furiously nipping at GoPro’s heels like a hyperactive Jack Russell terrier. It was developed as a cut-price alternative to the companies flagship Ghost-S model and although GoPro’s Hero Session looks better on paper the Stealth 2 provides the perfect blend of performance and usability without feeling like you’ve been robbed.

An impressive amount of technology is crammed into a camera that measures only 80mm x 42mm x 27mm and as it weighs only 97g the Stealth 2 is probably the most discreet action camera on the market and should prove to be a popular choice for bikers and cyclists who want to record their journeys without making it obvious that they’re using a camera.

The Stealth 2 uses an Aptima CMOS sensor and an optical 137-degree field of view to capture HD footage at up to 1080p at 30fps. Dropping down to 720p at 60fps can result in some pretty impressive slow-motion shots and the Stealth 2 can also take 12mp stills that are completely adequate for a camera that costs less than a hundred quid. The majority of people who purchase the Stealth 2 will be more than happy with it’s recording capability but those seeking higher quality footage should consider the slightly more expensive GoPro Hero Session that can record at 60fps in 1080p.

The Stealth 2’s most impressive feature is it’s integrated battery. Drift claim that the Stealth 2 can record at 1080p for up to 3 hours and unlike other manufacturers their claim isn’t exaggerated. The battery life of the Stealth 2 is significantly longer than comparable products on the market and many users claim that the figure provided by Drift is accurate. This gives the Stealth 2 an edge over products such as the GoPro Hero Session which has only 2 hours battery life at the same resolution.

The built-in microphone on the Stealth 2 is never going to win any awards but does a decent enough job. However, like other action cameras, the Stealth 2 does suffer from excessive wind noise, especially at higher speeds, and this should be taken into consideration by motorcycle riders as it’s likely to affect them the most. Obtaining better sound quality can normally be achieved by attaching an external microphone to the camera but unfortunately, the Stealth 2 doesn’t come with an external microphone port and this could be a deciding factor for some people. The sound quality can best be described as average and anyone wanting a crisp and clear sound capture should opt for a camera that can accept an external microphone.

The Stealth 2 is ‘weather-resistant’ and this should be enough for most people. It can handle British weather perfectly well and would probably laugh at Michael Fish given half the chance but Drift recommends that the Stealth 2 isn’t submerged in water without the optional waterproof case. Once the Stealth 2 is safely wrapped up in its waterproof case it can be used at depths up to 40m which should be handy for divers and anyone living in Scotland.

The Stealth 2 does pretty much what is says on the tin and for the money, it’s a competent performer. It’s a perfectly adequate bit of kit for bikers and cyclists on their daily commute but would struggle if used during an extreme sport such as downhill mountain biking. The Stealth 2 can produce perfectly good footage at 1080p but feels like it’s pushing itself a bit so recording in 720p at 60fps is the best option for day-to-day use. Don’t expect wonders from the Stealth 2 and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how well it performs in the real world.